Mr Collins was speaking in Limerick after his first cousin James Collins topped the poll in Limerick City West electoral area and was elected to the new joint Limerick local authority.

"Below the headline of Sinn Fein winning seats in more areas is the fact we are gaining right across the country and particularly in Dublin.

"This election will be the platform for us into the next general election and is an opportunity to identify our Dáil candidates.

He said anyone who was doubting Micheal Martin's leadership will have those doubts "well and truly expelled."

Fine Gael outgoing Councillor and former Mayor Maria Byrne was also elected after the first count in the Limerick City West area.

Their election brings to 12 the number of councillors elected so far to the new authority

Fine Gael now have three councillors on Limerick City and County Council, with Sinn Fein also at three.

Independent candidate Brigid Teefy was the first candidate elected after she topped the poll in the Cappamore-Kilmallock electoral area, despite not being able to vote for herself due to boundary changes.

Fianna Fáil - who was almost wiped out in the city at the last local elections with just one seat on Limerick City Council- already have five seats on the new joint authority with counting still underway.

The party had nine of the 28 seats on the former Limerick County Council.